"Whoa We're Halfway There... Whoa Livin' On a Prayer"

With a nod to Bon Jovi, I'm six chemo treatments into what is tentatively set to be a 12 treatments plan (over the course of 12 weeks). My nodes are responding the way Dr. R wanted at this stage… but he's seeking bit more "dramatic effect" on my breast. It started off with bang in terms of response then last couple of weeks, not much difference. He is expecting/hoping that the next "Hammer" scheduled for this upcoming Wednesday will get the results we want.

Towards end of the month, I'll have some scans done so we can get a good look at what is happening both inside my breast but also that vertebra that has the cancerous lesion. If it has shrunk enough, then surgery will be scheduled. If not, more chemo treatments will be scheduled. While I hope I don't have as much as four more months ahead of me like some IBC patients end up needing, I can deal if that's the case.

I've actually adjusted to the bald head and having some fun channeling my inner gypsy with the various head scarves. Still not feeling the need for a wig either. Bonus: not having to shave my legs! While not looking forward the loss of eyebrows and eyelashes, I did go ahead and get some bold new glasses that not only dominate my face, I'm convinced make me look smarter.

Smart Gypsy Lady is my new look/persona.  Well maybe Smart Napping Gypsy is more appropriate as I have a tendency to suddenly just run out of steam during the course of the day. I'll sit down, then stretch out… then doze off for 30-45 minutes! Which really isn't such a big deal given how comfy my house is thanks to my mom and dad's recent generosity.  Also, the fatigue isn't at all like the kind that comes with the flu or even sleep deprivation, just a sudden urge to sleep. Though, I suppose it would be a different story if I couldn't sleep.

Happy to report that the nausea one sees in movies is pretty non-existent for me thanks to some amazing drugs. Sometimes I have some other gastro related issues but again, drugs make those go away quickly enough.

I'm reminded again just how lucky I am:  I not only have a great insurance plan but in a financial place to cover the out of pockets for those drugs. A three day regime for the nausea I take for the Hammer Days is, for example,  $125 after insurance, without insurance, it is shockingly high and unaffordable for us. I feel badly for those who have to suffer through the side effects because they can't afford the medication that stops them.

Then I think about my fellow inflammatory breast cancer patients… My diagnosis was truly a mind blowing whirlwind of multiple doctor appointments and tests, sometimes the same day. Because of my insurance/finances, I was able to do what needed to be done immediately. I began my treatment plan less than 48 hours after my official diagnosis which is giving me a great edge.

But I've heard many stories of women with IBC getting delayed in diagnosis and treatment because of insurance red tape or not being able to afford what it doesn't cover so couldn't get a necessary diagnostic test immediately let alone see a specialist.  When the symptoms appear, it is at least Stage 3, but often at Stage 4. This crazy cancer can have tumors grow at measurable rate overnight. A week can make a huge difference in life expectancy. Between a misdiagnosis (often IBC is mistaken by family doctor for mastitis) and this delay due to insurance/finances it can be a couple of months before treatment begins.  I am very, very lucky.

My other good fortune that I'm thinking about is this afternoon that I'm getting not just the company of one of my best friends but two of them! My dear friend Cheryl is coming all the way from Minnesota to stay with me. I appreciate this visit from her also because I know it's not easy traveling with 3 young children. Between her and Judy, I'll totally milk the princess treatment. Smart Gypsy Princess will be me this weekend.